HEAT(R) Tips Help People Protect Against Auto Thieves During Fourth of July Weekend

Help Eliminate Auto Thefts Urges People to Keep Auto Safety in Mind During Summer Months

LIVONIA, Mich., June 26 -- With the hot weather finally here and more sun predicted for Fourth of July weekend, people will be gearing up for celebrations and enjoying the summer weather. But thieves are also on the move during the summer months -- looking to strike when people relax their usual common sense and auto safety standards. Whether it's leaving the car running while going into the store, leaving the keys in the ignition or forgetting to roll up the windows, people enjoying the summer sun are often targeted by opportunistic car thieves.

Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT(R)), a statewide auto theft prevention program, which operates a confidential, toll-free tip reward hotline (1-800-242-HEAT), is reminding people to keep auto safety in mind throughout the summer months.

For a safe holiday weekend, follow HEAT(R)'s tips:

* Remember to lock your doors, take your keys from the ignition and don't leave the keys on the seat -- all common sense rules that drivers often forget when the summer hits.

* Don't tempt thieves! Never leave your running vehicle unattended and put away valuables -- such as laptops and cell phones -- even when just running into a store.

* A second layer of auto protection is recommended -- such as audible alarms, steering wheel locks, and theft deterrent decals -- to discourage auto thieves.

* Report what you know about auto theft to your local police department and HEAT(R)'s confidential tip-reward line, 1-800-242-HEAT.

Tipsters can call the HEAT(R) hotline, 1-800-242-HEAT, to confidentially report auto theft related information, including insurance fraud. Tipsters are rewarded up to $1,000 if their tip leads to the arrest and prosecution of a suspected car thief or a person suspected of auto theft related insurance fraud. Rewards up to $10,000 are issued if a tip results in the arrest and binding over for trial of a suspected theft ring and/or chop shop operators. HEAT(R) also rewards $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect.

Since its inception in 1985, HEAT(R) has awarded more than $2.5 million to tip callers. During that period, the HEAT(R) tip line has received 6,044 calls leading to the arrest of 2,633 suspects and has recovered 3,217 vehicles and other stolen property valued at more than $37 million.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information or to set up interviews, please contact Elena Cleland at lovio|george|inc at +1-313-832-2210, ext. 15.